MacBook Pro to Pack All-New Features

Apple's upcoming MacBook Pro has been delayed until Q4 2016, but its new features may make up for the delay.

(CCM) — According to a new report from KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo on Tuesday, Apple is planning to overhaul its MacBook line at the end of 2016. First spotted by MacRumors, this report claims that the upcoming 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro will be thinner and lighter than its predecessors and will feature a built-in Touch ID sensor and USB Type-C and Thunderbolt-compatible ports. The biggest change will be just above the keyboard, typically where the function keys would be located. Here, Apple plans to incorporate an OLED display touch bar, said Ming Chi-Kuo. It is unclear how large this second display will be or what it will be used for. The 13-inch MacBook currently starts at $1,299, while the 15-inch model has a starting price of $1,999. The new models may be priced differently. Earlier reports suggested that Apple was working on a new security software to allow iPhones to unlock Macs and MacBooks using Touch ID. It is unclear if Apple is moving forward with both the hardware and software concepts. Apple has not yet commented on this report.

Apple is expected to unveil these new MacBooks, and possibly a new 13-inch MacBook, at WWDC 2016 in less than three weeks. The conference is scheduled for June 13th through the 17th and will take place in San Francisco. Alongside these new MacBooks, Apple may unveil a new iPhone, the Apple Watch 2, iOS 10, OS X 10.12, and more. Apple typically makes MacBooks available shortly after the event, but with the announced delay until the fourth quarter, the company's plans are unclear.